Chilean 1912-61

[USMCM16A2]

Folks,


Any info would be helpful, Chilean 1912-61. Good, bad, ?. A2

[Syntax Error]

These are reworked Steyr-manufactured Modelo 1912 rifles which were originally chambered for 7x57. The bores were rebored for .308" and the chamber reprofiled for 7.62 NATO. They should be good to go so long as it's headspaced properly since it's a large ring Mauser, should be able to handle modern loads. I have heard some stories about how some M1912/61s were poorly rechambered with silver solder to make up for the shorter length of 7.62 NATO, and as such, won't hold up much to firing in the long run. As always, get a competent gunsmith to check the gun before firing.

[Mustang]

These are reworked Steyr-manufactured Modelo 1912 rifles which were originally chambered for 7x57. The bores were rebored for .308" and the chamber reprofiled for 7.62 NATO. They should be good to go so long as it's headspaced properly since it's a large ring Mauser, should be able to handle modern loads. I have heard some stories about how some M1912/61s were poorly rechambered with silver solder to make up for the shorter length of 7.62 NATO, and as such, won't hold up much to firing in the long run. As always, get a competent gunsmith to check the gun before firing.

Is this the short barrel (24") 1912-61 or the longer barrel (roughly 29") ?

I had heard that the short 1912 Mauser 7.62 conversions used a rethreaded, rechambered 03 barrel.

[Syntax Error]

You could be right, I thought the barrels were either reprofiled or rebarreled entirely.

[Mustang]

There were also 7.62 conversions of the older 1895 Chilean Mauser (small ring) which were converted in the manner you described. But the 1912 Mauser is the later large ring and I think a different conversion process was used.

[pacrat]

There were also 7.62 conversions of the older 1895 Chilean Mauser (small ring) which were converted in the manner you described. But the 1912 Mauser is the later large ring and I think a different conversion process was used.

BINGO

[Beetle Bailey]

The M1912/61 used NOS M1903-A3 barrels left over from WWII. The threads were cut off and then rethreaded to fit the 1912 action, which is a large-ring, three-lug Mauser action made by Steyr. That barrel was then rechambered from 30-06 to 7.62 NATO. Since the barrel was shortened from the breach end, the rechambering did not require solder. I handload for mine to replicate M80 ball ammo using 150 grain FMJ and IMR 4064. Mine shoots low so I had to use the 700 meter setting to hit at 100 yards. Also, it does not feed well because the magazine was set up for the 7x57 Mauser cartridge, which is both longer and thinner than 7.62 NATO. But it does shoot straight. I have not shot commercial 308 out of it. HTH

[I Swan]

I'd not even own one built on the 1895 action. I'd feel better with the ones on a 98 action but I still avoid them. I did pick up a 1895 antique carbine in 7x57 last year though.